They reportedly harassed people into paying debts and moving out of their houses so they could be taken over by property developers – using tactics such as intimidating victims for days with megaphones.

One man, known only as Mr Zhao, also claimed to Beijing News he saw eight women spitting at his neighbour.

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They were paid 200 yuan (£23) a day, which would rise if they were injured or detained by authorities.

The ringleader, a man who worked for property developers and loan companies, was jailed for 11 years – while 14 members of the group were handed sentences of 2 to 11 years for 29 crimes over the last four years.

The South China Morning Post reported 12 of the members pleaded not guilty.

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